Star cricketer slashes bat, gets slapped with fine for angry outburst on dismissal

Dubai (The Uttam Hindu) : Pakistani batsman Babar Azam has been fined 10 percent of his match fee for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Babar Azam was found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third ODI against Sri Lanka. The match was played on Sunday. The incident occurred in the 21st over of the Pakistani innings when, after being dismissed, Babar hit the stumps with his bat before leaving the crease. The former Sri Lankan captain was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to the misuse of cricket equipment/clothing, ground equipment and fittings during an international match.

In addition, one demerit point has been added to Babar's disciplinary record, the ICC said in a press release. This was Babar Azam's first offense in a 24-month period. On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfud-ud-Daula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi determined the charges. Babar admitted his offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees Ali Naqvi. As such, a formal hearing was not required.

Pakistan won the third match of the series, played in Rawalpindi on November 16, by six wickets. Sri Lanka was bowled out for just 211 runs in 45.2 overs. Sadeera Samarawickrama top-scored for the team with 48 runs off 65 balls, including two fours. Mohammad Wasim Jr. took three wickets for the opposition, while Haris Rauf and Faisal Akram took two wickets each.

In reply, Pakistan won in 44.4 overs. Fakhar Zaman scored 55 runs for the team, while Mohammad Rizwan made 61 runs. Hussain Talat also made an unbeaten 42 runs. Jeffrey Vandersay took three wickets for Sri Lanka.